HISTORY
OUR STORY: ROOTED IN EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY
A MESSSAGE FROM KEYA AND NEDA KHORAMI, FOUNDERS OF INDEPENDENT PET SUPPLY
Before founding IPS, we ran our own local pet food and supply store, which gave us firsthand experience with the ups and downs of running an independent business. We understand the challenges of competing in a crowded marketplace, and we’ve seen the difference strong partnerships can make. This experience shaped our belief that independent pet stores are the heart of the pet industry.
When we named our company Independent Pet Supply, it wasn’t just about business—it was a mission. We saw potential in local pet stores and believed they were crucial to the future of the industry. Our goal was simple: to provide independent retailers with the products, services, and support they needed to thrive, so they could focus on what they do best—caring for pets and serving their communities.
A FAMILY-OWNED COMPANY BUILT ON TRUST
From day one, IPS has been a family-owned and operated business. We started with a small warehouse in the Pacific Northwest, and through hard work and dedication, we grew. Throughout the journey, our values of trust, loyalty, and community have guided us. These principles remain at the heart of everything we do, and they’ve been the foundation of our business for over 30 years.
Having been in the shoes of independent pet store owners, we approach every partnership with empathy and understanding. We know what it’s like to face the day-to-day challenges, and that’s why we’re not just a distributor—we’re a trusted partner, always there to support our customers.
SUPPORTING THE INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
In the early days, we focused on building lasting relationships with the local stores we served. We knew that by offering high-quality products, reliable service, and genuine support, we could help these businesses stand out in a market dominated by larger chains. Our experience as former retailers allowed us to offer more than just products—we provided insights, guidance, and a deep commitment to each store’s success.
As IPS grew, our reach expanded across multiple states. However, our commitment to independent stores has never changed. We’ve stayed true to our roots as a family-owned company, continuing to provide local businesses with the tools and support they need to succeed.
ADAPTING TO A CHANGING INDUSTRY
Over the past three decades, the pet industry has changed in many ways, and IPS has grown alongside it. We’ve embraced trends like natural, organic, and eco-friendly products to meet the growing demand from conscientious pet owners. This approach has helped our independent pet store partners stay ahead of the curve and compete with larger retailers.
THE INDUSTRY CATCHES UP
Now, more than 30 years later, the pet industry is recognizing what we’ve always known: independent pet stores are irreplaceable. They provide personalized service, expert advice, and build real connections with their customers—things that big national chains can’t replicate. Independent pet stores are the backbone of the pet industry, and we’re proud to have been there to support them every step of the way.
As the industry continues to evolve, IPS will continue leading by example, working closely with retailers who share our passion for pets and commitment to quality. We’ll also continue to work with vendors who are pushing the pet supply industry into exciting new directions.
LOOKING AHEAD: FAMILY, PARTNERSHIPS, AND VISION
As we look to the future, IPS remains grounded in the same values that guided us when we first started. Our experience as former pet store owners gives us a unique perspective, allowing us to better understand the needs of our partners. We continue to seek out the best products and offer the highest level of personalized support because we know how important it is to be there for our customers.
But it’s not just our retailers who make IPS what it is—it’s also our vendor partners. We value the strong relationships we’ve built over the years with vendors who share our commitment to quality and innovation. Together, we’ve created a network that supports the independent pet store community and helps them deliver the best to their customers.
At IPS, we don’t just distribute products—we build lasting partnerships with retailers and vendors to help independent pet stores thrive. Our story is one of family, vision, and dedication to a simple but powerful idea: local, independent businesses are the heart of the pet industry, and together, we’re shaping the future—one store at a time.